Reflections of Caritas

May 26, 2019 - The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Feast of St. Philip Neri

Written by Rev. Father Frank Kyazze | May 22, 2019 6:24:57 PM

Dear Friends,

I wrote this reflection on my journey back home after a month’s visit to the U.S.A.. The pain of separation that the disciples went through when Jesus left was likely paralleled by my own pain as I said “good-bye” to my new & old friends, comrades and CARITAS Family in the states. I will return to Uganda with much Love in my heart and great hope for the future of our CARITAS children.

And now, the weekly reading for this upcoming Sunday...

GOSPEL: JOHN 14:23-29.

"DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED, AND DO NOT BE AFRAID."

By this time in the Gospel of John, Jesus has chosen a circle of close friends. He taught them in ways that led them to leave their previous lives to follow Him. They go on to travel the highways and byways with Jesus as he heals, teaches, and changes the world. He quickly becomes the center of their lives. However, the disciples are aware of Jesus' impending departure. They express feelings of fear, but He reassures them that they will not be left alone.

We live in a world where people are more technologically connected than ever before, but many still seem to be lonely, rejected, fearful and unloved.  Loneliness can be a profoundly difficult emotion to experience, and the disciples deeply fear the notion of isolation from their teacher and friend. All that they accomplished with Him was done in order to assist and proclaim the magnificent journey that was--and IS--Jesus' life. What will they live for when He is gone? However, as they grieve over Jesus' announcement of departure, He makes a divine promise. Jesus proclaims that the disciples have nothing to be afraid of, for they will never be alone again.

Jesus knows that the disciples will need His strength and instruction during His absence. He therefore offers them--and also to us today--an abiding presence with three different promises: A home that the Father and the Son make with us, the Holy Spirit to call to mind everything that Jesus taught, and an ongoing experience of peace and caritas ("CARITAS" is Latin for God's Love). The type of "love" Jesus refers to is love that comes from Him & only Him--nothing else in the world may hold a candle to the Love that Jesus offers the disciples in this moment.

Jesus does not leave us as orphans. We should not be troubled! We should not be afraid! Because we are not alone and neither were the disciples. How can we handle all the problems in life?  How can we cope with all of our troubles and sorrows?  Our God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is always with us.  

 

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You always have God’s presence.